You’ve heard about bullet journaling, but you’re not been quite sure if it’s right for you. Keeping a bullet journal can make your life more organized, more efficient, and more fun. Here are some basic tips to help make it easier to get started.
1. Don’t go overboard
Bullet journaling can be as big as you make it. At first, it’s tempting to put your entire life into your bullet journal and go nuts with colored markers, stickers, and special notebooks, but you really don’t need all that stuff when you’re just starting out.
You need one notebook and one pen or a set of markers. Focus on the important things you need to get organized and keep your planning achievable and straightforward.
2. Get into a routine
Bullet journaling works best when it’s part of your daily routine. Set aside a particular time when you’re not too rushed so that you can set up your daily tasks. It doesn’t matter if it’s the night before or done first thing in the morning, the important thing is that you find a time that works for you and you stick to it.
3. Make the Journal your own
Don’t compare your way of bullet journaling to what you see online. Your
bullet journal needs to be the right fit for you and no one else. You might like strict lists or balloons and arrows. You can make it as pretty or as plain as you want. Your bullet journal doesn’t have to be a work of art, but it does need to work for you.
4. Play around and experiment
Play with colors and stickers and different formats as you find out what works for you. But don’t be afraid to stop doing what’s not feeling good, or what doesn’t sit right with your spirit. You might prefer creating daily journal entries, and weekly planning and monthly planning just doesn’t call to you as much. That’s fine! Play around with different spreads and timings until you find the one that works for YOU.
5. Include a habit tracker
Everyone has several habits they want to develop. But they’re not always easy to stick to! Whether it’s flossing your teeth, getting to the gym, doing yoga, or checking your spam filter, make sure you include these must-dos in your bullet journal.
You’ll see where you’re slipping up or which tasks your subconscious just isn’t interested in. Take note of the tasks you’re not called to, and that might help you find your ‘growing edges.’ Be open to the insight that might come from you examining what makes those tasks less-than-desirable for you. You’ll feel more of a sense of achievement when you check the tasks you like off your daily list! Most importantly, examining the ‘should-dos’ will give you more insight, and you may gradually integrate them into your routine. Gaining skills and self-knowledge is an important part of helping you live your best life.
Interested in learning more about other types of journaling? Check out my post Ten Types of Journals You Can Create for ideas and check out my post There Are Many Different Ways to Journal: Ideas Below! for even more inspiration.
